George Masa—Preserving National Treasures: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Appalachian Trail
We explore roadside historical markers about photographer George Masa, an important figure in American history. Travel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - which Masa helped establish - to get a glimpse of early Appalachian Mountain culture.
Japanese-American photographer George Masa is known for his work documenting the Smoky Mountains. His photographs helped protect the mountains and played key roles in establishing the Appalachian Trail and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Masa worked at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville where he photographed the hotel, luminaries and wealthy and powerful guests, and the surrounding mountains, which helped promote the inn and attract visitors to Asheville. In 1918, he became owner of a photography studio.
Referred to as the Ansel Adams of the East, Masa’s images of the mountains of Western North Carolina are beautiful. They are also important historically, providing a record of the southern Appalachian Mountains when the region was still largely wild and unspoiled. They also raise awareness of the region’s natural richness and the need to protect it.
Nature writer Horace Kephart and Masa advocated for preserving the mountains and Masa’s photography and Kephart’s writings played a crucial role in lobbying for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Their works swayed public opinion, generated support, and lobbied lawmakers and influential figures. Masa assisted surveyors and researchers in documenting the Smoky Mountains, providing valuable insights into the region’s topography and unique features.
The Carolina Mountain Club members were dedicated to exploring and promoting the natural beauty of the Appalachian region. Masa’s involvement provided opportunities to explore and photograph the scenic mountains, including areas that would later become part of the Appalachian Trail.
Masa was a talented artist, a dedicated conservationist, and a passionate advocate for the preservation of the natural world. Masa died in 1933, a year before the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was dedicated.
The Masa marker is located at 7 Patton Ave. in Asheville, NC; he is buried in Asheville‘s Riverside cemetery
N.B.: Please note that images are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not represent Masai’s work. Visit the George Masa collection at the Pack Memorial Library in Asheville to view and research Masa’s photographs. Some images were generated using AI image creation tools.
Links:
The Mystery of George Masa: http://georgemasa.blogspot.com/2009/0...
Masa Knob Panarama: https://peakvisor.com/peak/masa-knob....
How a Photographer Helped Preserve the Smoky Mountains: https://www.outdoors.org/resources/am...
Footpath for the People; https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm#:~...
CMC 1923 - 1993; https://www.carolinamountainclub.org/...
Masa’s pivotal role in preserving mountains: https://www.smliv.com/stories/man-of-...
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
The Omni Grove Park Inn: https://www.historichotels.org/us/hot...
Great Smoky Mountains photographer: • AAPI Month: George Masa, Great Smoky Mount...
The Photographer Whose Work Helped Protect the Great Smoky Mountains: https://www.audubon.org/news/meet-geo...
A Japanese emigrant helped create the Great Smokey Mountain National Park: https://highlandshistory.com/exhibits...
Film The Mystery of George Masa: http://www.georgemasa.com
CMC: https://www.carolinamountainclub.org/
Nature Journal: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/l...
Terra Incognita: https://bittersoutherner.com/feature/...
NCPedia—Masa: https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/mas...
History Of The Appalachian Trail: https://www.thetravel.com/history-of-...
Masa Foundation: https://georgemasafoundation.org/
Appalachian Trail—North Carolina: https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/...
George Masa’s life and vision, by Brent Martin: https://www.wunc.org/2022-08-08/georg...
Asheville History: Early Settlement to Downtown Boom: https://www.romanticasheville.com/His...